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February 2004
- Got two minutes? When the action can be completed
in two minutes or less, don’t write it down--just do it.
- Verb it: When adding a task to your Action List,
use a verb. Instead of “Susan”, write “Call
Susan”.
- Most “to do” items do not need to be done
today. Focus on a few tasks; instead of treating all 50
items on your list as priority, choose the top five and get
to work.
- Reality check: There will always be more to do than
time to do it.
“Helen” told me she was often late for appointments
because she packed her schedule too tightly, without recognizing
the total time involved.
- Block out time for the actual appointment, as well as
travel time. This gives a clear picture of how much time
may be left for other appointments or tasks, and allows a cushion
for the unexpected.
You need both physical and psychological breaks to perform at
your best. Stephen Covey wrote about the woodcutter who chopped
away at the tree all day long, never bothering to sharpen his
axe. The dull axe made his task more difficult, kept him from
other important work, and sapped his energy.
- Plan time for breaks in your day. A break as
short as 5 minutes away from your desk can do wonders for your
concentration. On the other hand, longer breaks for exercise,
rest, reading, or watching a movie can be just what you need
to avoid becoming dull. The time you enjoy ‘wasting’
may not be such a waste after all. Remember, good things happen
when you’re organized!
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